framed

Windows mediate the transient space between the inside and outside, providing a safe space from which to glimpse the expanse beyond. Where my previous works have captured compositions from the urbanscape, Framed instead turns inward by looking out, archiving personal architectures of the interior and consumable vignettes of the exterior world. During the development of these works and in observing the final product, I continue to ponder where I situate myself within these spaces and beyond the pane of glass, considering how these places contribute to my identity as both an individual and as an artist. 

Most of the windows in Framed reference places of personal significance: bedrooms, kitchens and workspaces. They capture quiet moments in everyday spaces where things are often overlooked or unseen due to the busy-ness of life. kitchen skylight and the room with the round window both document humble architectures, patiently waiting to be appreciated, where hey, remember Gowings? brings quiet to an otherwise overwhelming vista. twindows I & II attempt to capture the peace of the printmaking studio that comes at the end of a hectic day or on a sunny afternoon. All of these subjects encourage me to be more like my cat Finn in sunday afternoon, to sit in a warm window enjoying the view just because it’s there. 

The laborious and slow processes of lithography provide a meditative opportunity to reflect upon my fascination with these places and architectures. Rather than allowing the compositions to be lost in my camera roll, I’ve chosen to spend hours committing them to stone, analysing their attraction and significance. Do I define them through interior design and compositional decisions, or do they subconsciously define me? Are these images constructed or spontaneous documents of my everyday? I’m still figuring it out.

Millie Mitchell is an emerging Sydney-based artist. In 2019, she completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) at UNSW Art & Design, where she currently works as a workshop technician. Mitchell has been exhibiting in group shows since 2017, and held her first solo exhibition, happy prints., in 2021. Mitchell was a finalist in the Lloyd Rees Memorial Youth Art Awards (2021), Fisher’s Ghost Art Award (2020 & 2018), The Little Things Art Prize (2020), Tim Olsen Drawing Prize (2018) and Kudos Emerging Artist + Designer Award (2018). Mitchell undertook a residency at Cork Printmakers, Ireland in 2020. Her work is held in private collections nationally and internationally. Mitchell is also a co-founder and curator for More Than Reproduction, an artist-run initiative promoting women in printmaking.